Driving Around Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is a unique destination in many ways, but one very notable one is the size. Once on Walt Disney World property, guests still need to utilize transportation to get to the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs and resort hotels. For guests who rent a car or drive their personal car, a little preparation for driving around Walt Disney World will help ease the trip.

Navigating the Walt Disney World Area

Walt Disney World property is conveniently located off of all major roadways including Interstate 4 (exit #68), SR-417 (Greeneway), and US-192 (AKA: Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway / Vine Street / Spacecoast Parkway). Driving around Walt Disney World is fairly easy. The locations on property are clearly marked. If you are driving to a Walt Disney World hotel, it may help to know which resort area your hotel is located near. For example, the Polynesian Village is located closest to Magic Kingdom. Follow the park signs to get to the resort area.

Driving directions to Walt Disney World from major north-south highways are as follows:

From southbound Interstate 75: take the Florida Turnpike South to Interstate 4 West to Walt Disney World Resort Exits.

From Interstate 95, U.S. Highway 1 or southbound on the Florida Turnpike: take I-4 West to Walt Disney World Exits.

From northbound on the Florida Turnpike: take Osceola Parkway which connects with U.S. Highway 192 and the Walt Disney World Resort.

From the Ocala Welcome Center: located at I-75 (Exit 350, old 68): take I-75 South to Florida Turnpike South (Exit 65), to I-4 West (Exit 259) to Walt Disney World Exits.

Walt Disney World Exits From I-4 I-4 is the main artery in Central Florida, running from the Gulf coast in Tampa to the Atlantic coast in Daytona Beach. I-4 is an east-west highway, but follows a north-south route through the Orlando area. Therefore, I-4 signs reading east will be heading north and signs reading west will be heading south.

Route 535-Lake Buena Vista (Exit 68): If you need a grocery stop this exit will take you the Crossroads Shopping Center where Goodings is located. Heading north on 535 will also take you to Winn-Dixie, Publix and Walgreens. When heading back from your grocery stop, look for Hotel Plaza Boulevard which will take you to the Disney Springs area. For more information about shopping locally in the Orlando area for groceries and other supplies, click here.

Magic Kingdom-U.S. 192 (Exit 64): During peak periods of the year, there will be bumper-to-bumper traffic both on I-4 nearing the U.S. 192 exit and on U.S. 192 itself. A less-congested route to the theme parks and other WDW areas is to use the exit marked Epcot-Downtown Disney (Exit 67), 4 miles east of Exit 64.Attractions: Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Once on Walt Disney World property, the signs are convenient to follow. Pay close attention, though. There are many travelers who do not know their way. There are also many buses on the road. Accidents can happen, even on vacation. Stay alert and if you miss your turn, know that there is always another way to your destination.

Information and Tips for Driving Around Walt Disney World

Click here for a road map of the Walt Disney World Property. Click here for current parking rates which apply to those driving around Walt Disney World. Resort hotel guests get a parking pass and do not have to pay to park at the theme parks.

Walt Disney World Car Care Center: Located near the Magic Kingdom, this is a full-service operation that will provide most emergency services, except towing. Hours of operation are weekdays 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturdays 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Car Care Center can be reached by calling 407/824-0976. On Disney property you can flag a security guard for help with minor emergencies, such as a flat tire, dead battery, empty gas tank, or towing. Security can be found in the theme park lots as well. Otherwise call 407/824-4777 if you require assistance when driving around Walt Disney World. This is also a car rental location for National and Alamo.

Gas Stations: There are three Speedway gas stations located on Walt Disney World Resort property. All three are easily accessible for those driving around Walt Disney World. On one is on Buena Vista Drive across from Disney Springs and another in the Disney’s Hollywood Studios area near the entrance of the Boardwalk Inn. A third Speedway station is located on the right side of World Drive as you exit the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Car Care Center mentioned above.

Speedway gas stations offer very competitive gas rates compared to stations outside of Walt Disney World property and are open 24 hours per day. It is often very convenient and economical to fill up your tank at one of these three locations when driving around Walt Disney World.

Distance to Area Attractions

The following short guide gives the distance to area attractions and points of interest from Walt Disney World Resort. Miles are calculated using the Epcot area as a starting point:

Kennedy Space Center: 65 miles

Sea World: 12 miles; off International Drive on Sea Harbor Drive

Universal Studios: 16 miles; off International Drive on Universal Blvd.

Busch Gardens: 75 miles

West Coast: 80 miles

Nearest Beach (Cocoa Beach) : 67 miles

Downtown Orlando: 20 miles

Orlando International Airport: 25 miles

The roadways surrounding Walt Disney World can often be quite congested. Prepare for traffic on I-4 if you are traveling that way, especially during typical commute times. Also prepare for tourist traffic along International Drive if you are traveling that route to offsite locations.

Other Driving Information and Tips

For a little Disney Music while driving around Walt Disney World, turn your car radio to Radio Disney at 990 on your AM dial.

Consider combining driving and accommodations at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. Cruise America rents RVs in locations across the country with pickup and drop-off points in the Orlando area. Visit their web site for more information. If you would like your RV delivered to Fort Wilderness, CampUSA MotorHome Rental is for you.

The three Speedway locations on property are both convenient and competitive. There is no reason to go to a gas station off property unless it is on the way to your destination. The Speedways are even convenient for filling up a rental car before the return trip to the airport.